Vaccine-preventable diseases are conditions that are preventable through vaccines available to protect against these diseases. The following vaccine-preventable diseases require surveillance and case investigation since they are reportable in Georgia:

  • Diphtheria
  • Haemophilus Influenzae (type B)
  • Measles (Rubeola)
  • Meningococcal Disease (Neisseria meningitidis)
  • Mumps
  • Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
  • Polio
  • Rubella (German Measles)
  • Tetanus
  • Varicella (Chickenpox)

Diphtheria– serious disease of the upper respiratory tract that is caused by bacteria that release a toxin into a person’s body. This toxin can lead to respiratory failure, paralysis, heart failure and death. (FAQ)

Haemophilus Influenzae (type B)- serious bacterial disease that can cause meningitis, pneumonia, epiglotitis and other serious infections in children under age 5 years. (FAQ)

Measles (Rubeola)- highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus, characterized by fever and rash. (FAQ)

Meningococcal Disease (Neisseria meningitidis)- serious bacterial illness that infects the lining of the brain and spinal cord and may also cause blood stream infections.(Factsheet)

Mumps– acute viral illness that causes swelling of the parotid or other salivary glands, headache, loss of appetite and low-grade fever. (FAQ)

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)- highly contagious respiratory disease caused by bacteria. The disease starts like a common cold then becomes a series of coughing fits that can last for weeks. (FAQ)

Polio– highly contagious virus that spreads from person to person, invading the brain and spinal cord and causing paralysis. (FAQ)

Rubella (German Measles)- acute viral illness that causes fever and rash. The disease causes birth defects if acquired by a pregnant woman. (FAQ)

Tetanus– acute disease caused by toxin-producing bacteria that cause spasms of the jaw muscles, neck stiffness and difficulty swallowing. (FAQ)

Varicella (Chickenpox)- highly contagious rash illness caused by a virus, which can lead to secondary skin infections, pneumonia, brain damage and even death. (FAQ)

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